WWW.BCMMusic.org
Secrets to Bar Chords - Page 4
Drill #2 Moving the Bar
1. Place the index finger above the first fret. Press and squeeze as directed in drill one. After strumming all six strings say out loud "one" release your grip.
2. Slide your finger down to the second fret bar. Press firmly, using your entire arm.Strum each string. Say "two". Release.
3. Slide your finger to the third fret bar. Repeat this procedure until you have gone all the way to the 12th fret on your guitar.
4. Remember to listen to each string. Remember to count.. Remember to release before sliding. This is very important.
A good tip to remember is that your index finger and your thumb move as a complete unit. They do not move separately. In addition your hand and elbow are a part of that unit and all components should move as one. In other words, when you release the tension your entire arm moves to the next position. This is a critical skill that will allow you to master bar chords at a very rapid rate.
You should perform drill 2 at least 3 times during each practice session.
A simple variation to add interest to your drills is to skip a fret 1-3-5-7-9-11 or to do a repeating pattern like 0-3-5-7-0-3-5-7 repeat.
Take a minute to gloat. If you can play drill 2 correctly you have mastered 13 bar chords already. The next step is to learn their names and a way to notate them.